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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
The evolving practice of developmental care in the neonatal unit: a systematic review
Valerie Legendre1, Patricia A Burtner, Katrina L Martinez
1Division of Occupational Therapy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. sohowru@hotmail.com
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
|March 12, 2011
Summary
Individualized developmental care, including the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP), shows promise for preterm infants. Further research is needed to fully document the benefits of these early intervention approaches.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Developmental pediatrics
- Evidence-based practice
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are increasingly adopting individualized developmental care philosophies.
- Developmental care and the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) represent key shifts in preterm infant care.
- Understanding the short-term effects of these approaches is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the current literature on the short-term effects of developmental care and NIDCAP for preterm infants.
- To assess the quality of evidence supporting these interventions.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of literature from PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychINFO databases.
- Keywords used included: developmental care, individualized care, preterm infant, early intervention, and NIDCAP.
- Fifteen articles met selection criteria and were assessed using the AACPDM research design; 12 had strong Levels of Evidence (I or II).
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests that developmental care and NIDCAP are beneficial for preterm infants.
- A significant portion of the reviewed studies (12 out of 15) provided strong Levels of Evidence (I or II).
Conclusions:
- Current evidence supports the use of developmental care and NIDCAP in NICUs.
- Further research is necessary to comprehensively document the outcomes for preterm infants receiving these specialized care approaches.
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